DEPRESSION

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DEPRESSION

• The SAD Truth
• By Gina R. Bowden

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Types of Depression

• Major Depression
• Dysthymia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Post Partum Depression
• Postpartum Psychosis

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Symptoms of Depression

• Although the various types of depression are
  quite distinct, they all share a common group of
  symptoms. Often a diagnosis hinges on how many of
  the symptoms are present, and how severely they
  affect the individual. Symptoms of depression
  include
• sadness
• anger
• feelings of emptiness
• pessimism about future events
• low energy levels and low sex drive
• mental impairment (difficulty concentrating, loss
  of memory)
• thoughts of death or suicide.

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Major Depression

• Major depression is manifested by a combination
  of symptoms (see symptom list) that interfere
  with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and
  enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a
  disabling episode of depression may occur only
  once but more commonly occurs several times in a
  lifetime.

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DYSTHYMIA

• Dysthymia presents much of the same symptoms as a
  major depression, but the symptoms are less
  severe. Dysthymia generally lasts longer than
  major depression a diagnosis of dysthymia
  requires that symptoms of depression have been
  present for two or more years.

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Bipolar Disorder aka Manic Depression

• Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of
  depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is
  characterized by cycling mood changes severe
  highs (mania) and lows (depression). Sometimes
  the mood switches are dramatic and rapid, but
  most often they are gradual. When in the
  depressed cycle, an individual can have any or
  all of the symptoms of a depressive disorder.
  When in the manic cycle, the individual may be
  overactive, over talkative, and have a great deal
  of energy. Mania often affects thinking,
  judgment, and social behavior in ways that cause
  serious problems and embarrassment. For example,
  the individual in a manic phase may feel elated,
  full of grand schemes that might range from
  unwise business decisions to romantic sprees.
  Mania, left untreated, may worsen to psychotic
  state.

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Post Partum Depression

• Eighty percent of women experience the baby
  blues after the birth of a child hormonal
  changes, the physical stresses of birth, and the
  emotional strain of new responsibilities can make
  the first few weeks after a birth emotionally
  trying. The blues usually last two to three
  weeks, and then resolve without any need for
  treatment.For ten percent of new mothers,
  however, the blues dont go away. Instead, they
  develop into post partum depression. Without
  treatment, post partum depression can develop
  into a major depression or dysthymia.

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Postpartum Psychosis

• Postpartum psychosis is a rare complication of
  post partum depression. Only one or two out of
  every thousand women are affected by it. The
  woman begins to display psychotic behavior, often
  directed at the new baby. Hallucinations and
  delusions are common. Postpartum psychosis is a
  serious condition that puts the lives of both
  mother and child at risk.

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Depression in Children

• About 5 percent of children and adolescents in
  the general population suffer from depression at
  any given point in time. Children under stress,
  who experience loss, or who have attentional,
  learning, conduct or anxiety disorders are at a
  higher risk for depression.

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SYMPTOMS

• Frequent sadness, tearfulness, crying
• Hopelessness
• Decreased interest in activities or inability to
  enjoy previously favorite activities
• Persistent boredom low energy
• Social isolation, poor communication
• Low self esteem and guilt
• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
• Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
• Difficulty with relationships
• Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as
  headaches and stomachaches
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance
  in school
• Poor concentration
• A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
  
• Talk of or efforts to run away from home
• Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self
  destructive behavior

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Warning Signs

• A child who used to play often with friends may
  now spend most of the time alone and without
  interests.
• Things that were once fun now bring little joy to
  the depressed child.
• Children who are depressed may say they want to
  be dead or may talk about suicide.

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Causes of Depression

• Depression may develop when one or more of these
  factors are present
• a personal history of depression
• a family history of depression
• chronic stress
• death of a loved one
• chronic pain or illness
• drug or alcohol abuse.

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Risk Factors in Women

• Women experience depression about twice as often
  as men. Many hormonal factors may contribute to
  the increased rate of depression in
  women-particularly such factors as menstrual
  cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum
  period, pre-menopause, and menopause. Many women
  also face additional stresses such as
  responsibilities both at work and home, single
  parenthood, and caring for children and for aging
  parents.

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Risk Factors in Men

• Although men are less likely to suffer from
  depression than women, three to four million men
  in the United States are affected by the illness.
  Men are less likely to admit to depression, and
  doctors are less likely to suspect it. The rate
  of suicide in men is four times that of women,
  though more women attempt it. In fact, after age
  70, the rate of men's suicide rises, reaching a
  peak after age 85.

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Risk Factors in Children

• Because normal behaviors vary from one childhood
  stage to another, it can be difficult to tell
  whether a child is just going through a temporary
  "phase" or is suffering from depression.

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Risk Factors in the Elderly

• some symptoms of depression may be side effects
  of medication the older person is taking for a
  physical problem, or they may be caused by a
  co-occurring illness.

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Treatment for Depression

• The first step to getting appropriate treatment
  for depression is a physical examination by a
  physician. Certain medications as well as some
  medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as
  depression, and the physician should rule out
  these possibilities through examination,
  interview, and lab tests. If a physical cause for
  the depression is ruled out, a psychological
  evaluation should be done, by the physician or by
  referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
• Treatment choice will depend on the outcome of
  the evaluation.

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Types of treatment

• Medications
• Herbal Therapy
• Psychotherapies
• Exercise
• Help from family and Friends

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A FINAL WORD ON DEPRESSION

• Set realistic goals in light of the depression
  and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
  
• Try to be with other people and to confide in
  someone it is usually better than being alone
  and secretive.
• Participate in activities that may make you feel
  better.
• Mild exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or
  participating in religious, social, or other
  activities may help.
• Expect your mood to improve gradually, not
  immediately. Feeling better takes time.
• It is advisable to postpone important decisions
  until the depression has lifted. Before deciding
  to make a significant transition-change jobs, get
  married or divorced-discuss it with others who
  know you well and have a more objective view of
  your situation.
• People rarely "snap out of" a depression. But
  they can feel a little better day-by-day.
• Remember, positive thinking will replace the
  negative thinking that is part of the depression
  and will disappear as your depression responds to
  treatment.

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Depression Web Info

• http//www.aacap.org/publications/factsFam/DEPRESS
  D.HTM
• http//dictionary.reference.com/search?qdepressio
  n
• http//www.depression-and-anxiety.com/html/depress
  ion.php3
• http//www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfmpt
  dep2
• created by Gina R. Bowden EME2040